2) Don’t google your aches and pains.

Using google to diagnose your aches or pains is the fastest way to convince yourself something is seriously wrong with you or your baby.

If you suspect something is wrong, call your caregiver.

3) Don’t buy maternity clothes (yet).

Save buying maternity clothes for the 2nd and 3rd trimesters. It’s hard to predict how your body will change in the coming months. In the first trimester you may not even need maternity clothes yet.

But if you’re pants begin feeling tight against your growing belly, take a rubber band and put it around the button, then through the button-hole, and then back over the button. Just make sure you wear a shirt that covers it.

4) Remove toxic people from your everyday life and focus on those who love and support you.

People who have a negative attitude, and project their negativity on you, will just stress you out. (If you’re in this situation, here’s a good article to read.)

Pregnancy is a wonderful time in a woman’s life and surrounding yourself with loving and caring people will make it even better.

5) Don’t stress!

I realize this is easier said than done; but stress can create many health problems that you don’t need to deal with.

Stress causes things like migraines, muscle pain, diarrhea/constipation, fatigue, nausea, trouble sleeping, as well as many things we don’t usually think about – which you can read about here.

So if you’re feeling stressed, it’s important you take steps to stop feeling that way. Read my article, 5 Practical Ways to Kill Stress for some helpful ideas.

6) Take a vacation, if possible.

Taking a vacation becomes harder, although not impossible, once your little one has arrived.

Taking some time to relax with your husband, may do both of you a lot of good.

7) Research caregivers in your area and find one who will be a good fit for you and your husband to work with.

There are several types of caregivers that you can work with during your pregnancy and delivery; midwife, ob-gyn, your family doctor, and/or a doula for your birthing experience.

Each of these people play a slightly different role so it depends greatly on what you’re looking for and what type of care you want before, during, and after your pregnancy .

8) Begin to look at different birthing options.

Birthing locations include:

-Hospital

-Birthing center

-Home

Medication options for labor and delivery:

-Epidural

-Pudendal block

-Over-the-counter pain meds

-All natural (You can do it!) 🙂

Don’t stress over what you want right now. After all, you’re in the first trimester so you have time to explore the options and design a birthing plan.

9) Talk with friends who are seasoned moms.

Women who have had multiple pregnancies can be great resources.

They can tell you what they would have done differently or recommend options you may not have considered.

There are also Facebook groups you can join specifically for pregnant women and new moms.

10) Eat a healthy diet to help keep your energy up and support your baby’s development.

Eating healthy before, during, and after your pregnancy is so important for your health and the health of your baby.

Here’s another area that would be great to discuss with a seasoned mom. The baby stores and internet sites are full of baby products you really don’t need and may never even use.

Must-have baby items include:

-a car seat and stroller

-baby clothes and burp cloths

-car seat canopy (your baby and you will be grateful for this on sunny days)

-nipple balm or lanolin (if you’re breastfeeding)

-breast pump

-bottles and a bottle warmer

-nursing pillow

-nursing bras, nursing pads, and a nursing cover (or two)

-diapers and wipes

-swing (this may not seem like a necessity but many moms I’ve talked to (including myself) had their baby sleeping in a swing the first couple months – you’ll find they sleep much better in a swing than a crib)

-nursing cover

-changing pad and cover

-thermometer

-nasal saline and nasal aspirator

-nail file

-baby bathtub

-baby soap, shampoo, and lotion

-bibs (besides using when they begin eating solid foods, bibs will save you 2 or 3 sets of clothes per day when your baby is teething)

While there are many more items available that you can purchase for your baby, these are the majority of essential baby items.

13) Begin doing yoga.

Yoga helps with many things during pregnancy and the sooner you start, the better. Believe me, the first trimester is not too early to begin daily yoga! It provides relaxation, optimal blood flow through your body, and strengthens and prepares your body for birth. I suggest reading these articles:

Hi! I'm Serena. I'm a woman who loves God, my family, and living in the mountains. I am dedicated to encouraging healthy lifestyles, supporting people with cancer, and helping everyone increase their faith and strength.